Our Story
Friends of Hoover Durant (Hoover Foster) Public Library exists to bring a public library branch back to the Hoover Durant, McClymonds and Clawson neighborhoods in West Oakland, California.
Join us!
As early as 1936, the two library branches serving our neighborhoods, North Oakland and Telegrove, were targeted for closure — the result of historic patterns of racially motivated, systemic disinvestment and institutional redlining.
The Telegrove Branch closed in 1950, and all library services disappeared from this neighborhood by 1981.
In explaining the closure of the North Oakland branch, authorities referred to changes in the neighborhood’s “character”, and claimed that the area was “not a reading neighborhood”.
In 2006, long-term residents Madeline Wells and Alternier Cook, both of whom have fond memories visiting the North Oakland Branch in their youth, began their quest to bring a library back to the area. As more committed community members joined their efforts, Friends of Hoover Durant Public Library (FOHDPL) was born and has since received support from the city of Oakland.
Madeline Wells at FOHDPL’s first Street Corner Library event, December 12, 2017.
Alternier Cook (left), with Ernest Johnson (center left) and Dave Kaval, President of the Oakland A’s (right).
Neighboring library branches are about 1 mile away, separated by major highways and roads, making travel a significant limitation—especially for our children, elders and the disabled. Please join our cause to bring our neighborhood the library it deserves!
Partner. Volunteer. Donate.
We are officially launching the City of Oakland Hoover Branch Library Feasibility Study.
It’s happening! This is a major step towards the return of a dedicated branch library to this historic residential community. The study will be a community-inclusive process, which will document your vision and create an enduring plan that respects cultural legacy, while scribing a pathway towards new futures.
Community Voice Is Critical To Success!
We want our library to be
A destination & source of pride for our community
Equipped with the most current technological amenities
A place that transforms hopelessness to empowerment through access to information and community support
An eco-friendly environment with off-street parking, classrooms, a kitchen and special events area
